Belgium Faces Pressure to Expand Meningitis & Pneumococcal Vaccination Programs
Brussels, october 5th – world Meningitis Day – concerns are mounting in Belgium regarding the pace of updates to its national vaccination program, especially concerning protection against meningococcal disease adn pneumococcal infections. Vlaams Belang MP Katleen Bury is leading calls for immediate action, highlighting disparities in vaccination rates and a continued reliance on older vaccine formulations despite available advancements.
Belgium currently does not routinely vaccinate against meningococcal B (MenB) and ACWY strains, nor has it adopted the more comprehensive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV20. This contrasts with neighboring countries that have already implemented these measures.
Recent data from Sciensano reveals a significant increase in invasive pneumococcal infections, reaching a record 2,120 cases in 2024 - a rise from 2023 figures. furthermore, Belgian research indicates a socioeconomic disparity in MenB vaccination rates, with children in wealthier municipalities more likely to be vaccinated than those in less affluent areas, a situation the Belgian Pediatric Society has flagged as inequitable.
Bury argues that the continued use of PCV13 is no longer justified,given that PCV20 offers broader protection against circulating pneumococcal serotypes. she points to the lack of progress following a February promise from Health Minister Frank vandenbroucke to review the vaccination schedule. “Eight months later, no decision has been made, and children continue to face unnecessary risk,” Bury stated, referencing her own daughter’s experience surviving meningitis in February 2024, but subsequently losing her hearing.
The Vlaams belang is advocating for the following:
* Inclusion of MenB and ACWY vaccines in the national vaccination calendar.
* Transition to PCV20 to align with current epidemiological data.
* Elimination of socioeconomic disparities through full reimbursement and targeted catch-up campaigns.
* Annual obvious reporting on vaccination coverage,disease incidence,and interval cases.
* Development of a comprehensive action plan, anchored in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objectives for 2030, with defined timelines, budget allocation, and assigned responsibilities.
Bury also criticized ongoing political debate regarding responsibility for vaccination programs – whether it falls to the federal government or regional communities – as hindering progress. She suggested that an independent Flanders would have resolved these issues long ago.
To press for answers, Bury has submitted a new parliamentary question seeking clarification on the timeline for MenB inclusion, the rationale for retaining PCV13 over PCV20, and a detailed plan for implementing the WHO’s objectives with parliamentary oversight.
